Jayton continues to rely on strong passing game

The catch is, the Jaybirds' size is real small the team's biggest player is 180 pounds and most range from 125 to 150 pounds. But just as last year, rather than look at their size as a disadvantage, the Jaybirds will use their diminutive stature to their advantage.

Head coach Daniel Fontenot installed a high-octane passing offense last season because, basically, it would easier for his team to go above an opponent rather than through them. Surprisingly, in a style of football that is more suited to a rushing offense, Fontenot's ploy worked as Jayton racked up 436.6 yards per game 240 of which came in the air and a 7-3 record.

"We had to do it just because we don't have much size," Fontenot said of his offense. "My biggest guy is about 175 pounds we're pretty small.

Jayton Jaybirds

"It doesn't seem like many people do this (pass) anymore. But I found out the more you spread them out, the more success you can have."

Fontenot will try the same thing this year, albeit with a reshuffled deck of players. Quarterback Eddie Chisum graduated, taking his 2,206 passing yards and 30 touchdown tosses with him. But the team's leading receiver, Seth Jeter, will take his spot after working out the previous few years as the junior varsity quarterback.

Nixon Wiley will also change positions, moving from fullback to tailback. Center Ray Hall will remain at his position.

Outside of Jeter, Wiley and Hall, not a single letterman returns. Jeter and Hall will start on defense, at linebacker and defensive end, respectively. From there, however, Fontenot is essentially at a loss at who will fill the remaining offensive and defensive positions.

Outlook

The Jaybirds will be small and inexperience. But look for their high-octane passing attack to give them a shot at another winning season.